Discussion

Oasis Cafe, Juntura, Oregon

I found myself (with 3 companions) driving between Boise, Idaho and Bend, Oregon. If you are more familiar with the area, it's on route 20 between Ontario (route 84) and Burns, Oregon.

You willingly lose track of time here, and I was enjoying the the open road, despite the weather. Music sounds so much better on days like this.

I wasn't even hungry when we stopped here. I hated the idea of having to get out of the car. Thinking we might not find another restaurant for hours, we sat down and ordered. It was cold and rainy, but the place felt surprisingly cozy, welcoming and warm, despite its considerable size. A proud couple running the place - she serves, he cooks.

We had the "pork steak" special and liver and onions. The portions were huge (compare the size to the steak knife). I was delighted to find the pork juicy and perfectly cooked, although charred on the outside. Same for the liver. Cooked all the way through, yet very moist.

The vegetables were unremarkable - just ordinary frozen mix.

The toast was prepared with care, and the huge baked russet tasted so yummy! I suppose Idaho potato would still be local here. Wrapped in foil, it had crispy skin, no doubt brushed with butter before being baked in the oven at the right temperature (which is.... ??) I could have had just the potato for dinner. It came with sour cream, which was nice, but it was good even without it.

Don't miss this place if you find yourself in Eastern Oregon. (I am attaching the photos.)